IMBEL .45 M911 A1 (Colt Government clone)

Douglas Jr. · 09-23-2017, 10:51 PM

As I had briefed in Puretexan's topic about his new 1911 pistols, I just got my IMBEL .45 M911 A1, the Brazilian .45 clone. It took me 10 month to went through all the paperwork and burocracy (as a special authorization for buying .45 ACP pistols is required down here) but the wait worthed.
IMBEL is the former "Fabrica de Itajuba" (FI), the same Army-owned company that produced the licensed FN FAL for decades here. Also, Imbel was the manufacturer of all Springfield Armory 1911s until 2012 or so.
It has this GI issue look, with black plastic grips and black epoxi finish, the same found on FAL assault rifles.
I do not intend to modified too much and so far I only bought a pair of 1911-styled wooden grips (wth the diamond patterns finish around the screws) that I will install when it arrives here.
I didn't have time to take it to the range but i will let you know as soon as I shoot it.
Hope you enjoy it.

Puretexan · 09-24-2017, 10:55 AM

Looks good. It and the one that I bought are like twins, down to the Lanyard loop
on the bottom. Can't wait to see what kind of groups it will shoot. Wish you luck.

mrerick · 09-24-2017, 11:11 AM

Douglas,

Congratulations on a true classic firearm. Browning's design may be one of the longest in production in history.

I have an Imbel manufactured Springfield M1911a1 pistol, and it is very well made. I did not know that Springfield stopped manufacturing some of their models in Brazil in 2012. Please mention if you have details of the changes.

Marc

rhuff · 09-24-2017, 04:35 PM

A no frills-all business 1911A1. What is not to like??

Douglas Jr. · 09-24-2017, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrerick

Douglas,

Congratulations on a true classic firearm. Browning's design may be one of the longest in production in history.

I have an Imbel manufactured Springfield M1911a1 pistol, and it is very well made. I did not know that Springfield stopped manufacturing some of their models in Brazil in 2012. Please mention if you have details of the changes.

Marc

Marc,
The major issue was the currency exchanging rate, that make the exporting operation from Brazil to US not interesting anymore for the parties involved. It was purely a business decision, not related to quality or supplying chain issues.
It was a shame as this contract was running since the late 1980s. What I can also tell you is that the Imbel-made 1911s are held in high esteem by IPSC, policemen and shooters alike. They are considered extremely well made, sturdy and reliable.
Douglas.

Olle · 09-25-2017, 09:57 AM

I have one of the IMBEL made Springfield "GI" 1911s, and I'm very happy with it. Couldn't help myself so I have tinkered with it quite a bit by now, installed later style 3-dot sights (like on yours), did a trigger job, installed a full length guide rod and a long, early style trigger. I also "slicked it up" by stoning all the bearing surfaces, so it's kind of a sleeper that looks very plain but feels and shoots like a target pistol.

mrerick · 09-25-2017, 10:28 AM

Ah... the exchange rate makes sense. Trade is always a potential issue.

The "Ranger" and "GI" model Springfield (IMBEL manufactured) pistols had a two piece barrel. The barrel is fabricated with the chamber and lugs are machined separately from the barrel itself, then they are permanently assembled together. Does the IMBEL model sold in Brazil have this also.

I have never heard of problems with this design (which considerably reduces the amount of metal lost in the barrel fabrication process) but there are some that criticize it. One of my Springfield pistols has this.

When I bought my Springfield, I had the true luxury of picking it out form over 100 that were on offer at the annual games at Camp Perry. Springfield had a manufacturer's display setup and had all these pistols out where you could check their actions. I found one with a tight fit action and a trigger that felt good. It was not the most expensive model on offer! It's my go-to gun for teaching basic pistol and reloading.

Marc

John Sabato · 09-25-2017, 01:38 PM

Me Like...

Puretexan · 09-25-2017, 05:24 PM

Its funny , no matter who made it, a 1911 will always make you smile.

kurusu · 09-25-2017, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puretexan

Its funny , no matter who made it, a 1911 will always make you smile.

Mostly, when you shoot it

09-23-2017, 10:51 PM	#1
Douglas Jr. User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South America Posts: 948 Thanks: 598 Thanked 584 Times in 254 Posts	IMBEL .45 M911 A1 (Colt Government clone) As I had briefed in Puretexan's topic about his new 1911 pistols, I just got my IMBEL .45 M911 A1, the Brazilian .45 clone. It took me 10 month to went through all the paperwork and burocracy (as a special authorization for buying .45 ACP pistols is required down here) but the wait worthed. IMBEL is the former "Fabrica de Itajuba" (FI), the same Army-owned company that produced the licensed FN FAL for decades here. Also, Imbel was the manufacturer of all Springfield Armory 1911s until 2012 or so. It has this GI issue look, with black plastic grips and black epoxi finish, the same found on FAL assault rifles. I do not intend to modified too much and so far I only bought a pair of 1911-styled wooden grips (wth the diamond patterns finish around the screws) that I will install when it arrives here. I didn't have time to take it to the range but i will let you know as soon as I shoot it. Hope you enjoy it. Attached Thumbnails

09-24-2017, 11:11 AM	#3
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Douglas, Congratulations on a true classic firearm. Browning's design may be one of the longest in production in history. I have an Imbel manufactured Springfield M1911a1 pistol, and it is very well made. I did not know that Springfield stopped manufacturing some of their models in Brazil in 2012. Please mention if you have details of the changes. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

09-24-2017, 04:35 PM	#4
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,291 Thanks: 2,709 Thanked 972 Times in 717 Posts	A no frills-all business 1911A1. What is not to like?? __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

09-25-2017, 09:57 AM	#6
Olle User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,149 Thanks: 159 Thanked 663 Times in 318 Posts	I have one of the IMBEL made Springfield "GI" 1911s, and I'm very happy with it. Couldn't help myself so I have tinkered with it quite a bit by now, installed later style 3-dot sights (like on yours), did a trigger job, installed a full length guide rod and a long, early style trigger. I also "slicked it up" by stoning all the bearing surfaces, so it's kind of a sleeper that looks very plain but feels and shoots like a target pistol. __________________ Deer Hollow Enterprises, LLC Gun repair and restoration

09-25-2017, 10:28 AM	#7
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Ah... the exchange rate makes sense. Trade is always a potential issue. The "Ranger" and "GI" model Springfield (IMBEL manufactured) pistols had a two piece barrel. The barrel is fabricated with the chamber and lugs are machined separately from the barrel itself, then they are permanently assembled together. Does the IMBEL model sold in Brazil have this also. I have never heard of problems with this design (which considerably reduces the amount of metal lost in the barrel fabrication process) but there are some that criticize it. One of my Springfield pistols has this. When I bought my Springfield, I had the true luxury of picking it out form over 100 that were on offer at the annual games at Camp Perry. Springfield had a manufacturer's display setup and had all these pistols out where you could check their actions. I found one with a tight fit action and a trigger that felt good. It was not the most expensive model on offer! It's my go-to gun for teaching basic pistol and reloading. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

09-24-2017, 10:55 AM	#2
Puretexan User Join Date: May 2017 Location: Pearland Texas Posts: 176 Thanks: 11 Thanked 70 Times in 36 Posts	Looks good. It and the one that I bought are like twins, down to the Lanyard loop on the bottom. Can't wait to see what kind of groups it will shoot. Wish you luck.

09-25-2017, 01:38 PM	#8
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,154 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,306 Times in 1,097 Posts	Me Like... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

09-25-2017, 05:24 PM	#9
Puretexan User Join Date: May 2017 Location: Pearland Texas Posts: 176 Thanks: 11 Thanked 70 Times in 36 Posts	Its funny , no matter who made it, a 1911 will always make you smile.